In this scene, an event which is recorded in all four gospels, Jesus calls out injustice toward the poor and marginalized, and toward God. The temple, intended to be a place of reverence and worship, had become a mechanism of oppression. The poorest people, who could afford only the minimal sacrifice, were being taken advantage of the most. They were subject to price gouging, and because they had to exchange their currency for temple-approved coins prior to the sale—often at unfair rates—they were doubly wronged.

The money changers and merchants in the temple courts were participating in a system of social and divine injustice. Jesus, in overturning the tables and clearing out the temple, was protesting that system and its oppression of the vulnerable, under the guise of religious practice. In doing so, Jesus was also restoring the temple to its right purpose, realigning worship with God’s will and removing the barriers that kept people from experiencing God’s presence.

Religion at its best leads humanity closer to God and into personal and social holiness. Religion at its worst has, throughout human history, served as a means for some groups to suppress and disadvantage others, obstructing the relationship between humanity and God.

As we remember Jesus’ journey toward the cross during this Holy Week, and especially as we read of Jesus clearing the temple, I cannot help but think of those places Jesus might enter and clear out in righteous anger and indignation if he were here now. Where might Jesus be calling us today, as His followers, to go, turn over some tables?

Lord Jesus, forgive us when we, in our human frailty, have turned your house of worship into a den of thieves. Open our eyes to the ways our religious practice might serve to harm the vulnerable or to hinder those who seek you. Call us into those places where tables need overturning, that you might restore all your people into right relationship with you. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Why did Jesus do what he did? Could he see that an injustice was being done?

Stoning was the penalty for the crime. But, the partner in the adultery was also to be stoned and is not mentioned nor is the witness who is to throw the first stone.

Jesus forgives her of her sins and sends her away with the admonition to sin no more. If she had not been sorry for her sin and repentant, would Jesus have done this?

Interesting questions, but for me the most important lesson to be learned comes from Jesus’ statement, “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” For years I thought that his words only applied to the scribes and the Pharisees. But, there was one present without sin. Maybe Jesus was saying that if a stone (judgment) was to be thrown, he was the only one permitted to be first.

Aren’t we sinners like the scribes and Pharisees? I fear that we are. Instead, we need to bring God’s love to those who are being unfairly treated, to those who are sick, to those who are hungry. We are qualified to do those things. But we are not qualified to throw the first stone. Only Jesus is.

Dear God, help us to bring your love to all those we encounter. While we need to help others understand how you want us to live, never let us judge them. You are the only one qualified to do that.

This devotional was written by Alvin Jenkins and read by Herb Sadler.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.

Merriam-Webster.com defines meek as enduring injury with patience, and without resentment. The Bible offers meekness as a virtue that means to be humble, gentle, and submissive to God’s will. It is often associated with patience and putting aside one’s own desires, to follow God.

Jesus was meek while the soldiers arrested him in the garden, where he was only praying.

Jesus was meek while Herod and the soldiers mocked and ridiculed him. He was meek as they spit upon him, stripped him of his clothes, and beat him bloody. He was meek as the soldiers pressed a crown of thorns onto his head and blood ran into his eyes. He was meek as he bowed under the weight of that huge cross, dragging it through the streets and up the hill to Golgotha, the place of the skull. He was meek as they pounded the nails into his hands and feet, nailing him to that cross.

He was meek as the cross was raised. He was quiet and submissive.

He could have called down legions of angels from heaven to destroy those crucifying him. Yet, he hung there, dying humbly, accepting the pain and humiliation of torture and crucifixion.

All throughout his life on earth, Jesus showed restraint. He was gentle, kind, and loving. He was strong in His faith and trust in God His Father/ yet never lorded Himself over anyone. Instead, he constantly lifted others up – teaching by example, healing freely, and loving all he met.

What if we Christians took a page from Jesus’ playbook and made being meek and humble our constant attitude? What if we turn the other cheek when offended? What if we forgive 7x70 times? What if we pray for those with whom we disagree, instead of condemning them? What if we keep the Great Commandment to Love God and Love our Neighbors. What if we all endure injury with patience instead of resentment? What if we start a movement that brings a revolution of peace on earth?!

Now, Peace on the whole earth may take a while – but wouldn’t it be amazing and wonderful to have peace in your own soul, peace in your family, peace in your workplace, in your neighborhood, in your town, as we work toward bringing it to the whole earth?

I recall the words of that wonderful Vince Gill song… “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”

My friends, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and emulate His meekness. Let’s be bold in LOVE and meekly forgiving in everything else. Let’s start that Peace on Earth today!

Dear God, I want to be more like Jesus today. I want to be meek and mild and forgiving toward everyone – just as He is. I want to let go my anger and resentment, forgiving as Jesus did, meekly accepting hardship as a pathway to Peace. Help me, Lord, to grow in LOVE and to spread that LOVE wherever I go. Help me, Lord, to be meek. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Today’s podcast was written and read by Bernice Howard.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.